Police have uncovered what investigators believe is a major suspected stolen iPhone syndicate operating in Kampala after recovering 120 suspected stolen iPhones, arresting four suspects, and seizing equipment believed to have been used to refurbish and resell the devices.
The breakthrough followed investigations into the theft of a police officer’s mobile phone, a case that ultimately led detectives to a mobile phone dealership in the city centre where dozens of high-end Apple devices were allegedly being traded.
According to police, the investigation began on July 16, 2026, when a police officer had his mobile phone stolen while deployed on duty at Top City Plaza in Kisenyi Cell, Kampala.
Detectives launched an investigation that led to the arrest of Mugabi Richard on July 18 at about 3:00 a.m. from his residence in Kakajo, Kisenyi Cell.
During interrogation, Mugabi allegedly confessed to stealing the officer’s phone while the officer was resting inside a vehicle.
Investigators say he further revealed that he handed the stolen device to an accomplice, who later sold it for UGX 900,000 to Mugerwa Juma, the proprietor of a mobile phone retail shop located at Cooper Complex in Kampala.
Police confirmed that the officer’s stolen phone has since been recovered.
Armed with the new information, detectives mounted an operation at Mugerwa’s shop on July 21, leading to what police describe as a significant haul of electronic devices and equipment.
During the search, officers recovered:
- Seven functioning iPhones;
- Five iPads;
- Three laptops;
- Phone resetting machines;
- A microscope; and
- A large quantity of iPhone spare parts.
Mugerwa Juma was immediately arrested.
However, the biggest discovery came during a subsequent search of his motor vehicle, where police recovered 120 suspected stolen iPhones, ranging from the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max models to older versions.
Investigators suspect the phones were part of a sophisticated operation dealing in stolen Apple devices.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Mugerwa allegedly bought suspected stolen iPhones and spare parts from individuals operating on the streets of Kampala and surrounding areas before reselling or dismantling them.
Police believe the recovery points to a wider criminal network that has been fueling the growing trade in stolen smartphones in the capital.
The arrested suspects have been identified as:
- Mugabi Richard
- Mwesigwa Frank
- Mutesi Sumaya
- Mugerwa Juma
Investigators are now working to establish the ownership of every recovered device, trace the source of the suspected stolen phones, identify additional members of the network, and gather evidence for prosecution.
Police have appealed to members of the public who recently lost iPhones to report to Katwe Police Station with proof of ownership to assist in identifying and recovering their devices.
The recovery is one of the largest seizures of suspected stolen iPhones by police in recent years and comes amid increasing concern over organised phone theft syndicates that target busy business centres, shopping malls, public transport hubs and crowded streets before channeling the stolen devices into illegal resale networks.
Authorities have warned traders dealing in second-hand electronics to verify the source of devices they purchase, cautioning that anyone found knowingly handling suspected stolen property risks criminal prosecution.
